Hello all, My Girlfreind is buying a 2003 Protege and was trying to decide whether to get the LX or spend the extra 1000 or so and get the ES. I figured you guys would know a little bit more about the differences so any help would be grand!

 

i think all the es models have 2.0 liter engines, some lx models are the 2.0 though. also extra features like rims instead of hub caps, sunroof, spoiler, ect... you may be able to get these on the lx too, not sure.
if shes gonna mod it, id say get the 2.0 lx

 

In 2003, all models in the US have the have 2.0 L engine. I believe this change occurred in 2002.

I like the interior of the ES better...I had an '01 LX 2.0 that I traded in for an '03 ES.

 

Spring for the ES. The extra money is worth it. Spoiler, fogs, 16" rims, nicer interior.

 

ya, she went for the ES thankfully, it just seems like a higher end car then the LX plus she got a excellent deal on the left over 03 now that they are pushing the Mazda3's

 

you can get some amazing deals now on 3rd gen proteges since they are gone. I'm loving it.

 

I like my LX alot... It has everything the ES has of the same year, minus the wheels

 

The Lx is The same as the ES its just the standard features that change, and most of the features are availible in bolth modeles, its just if you aquire a certain amount your clasification goes to ES, Like for example with the LS you can get the 17 rims and the sun fog lights, but your not a ES, but if you Take a LS and add every option availible and you started with a Your purchasing a ES